The keynote speaker is computer science pioneer Mary Sue Moore, the principal business architect for Asurion in Nashville, Tennessee. Her experience includes work as a process definition consultant, project manager, systems engineer, software engineer and developer.

Moore is passionate about encouraging women in computer science, and mentors women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.

“Central to most every success is an individual bold and determined,” said Byron Newberry, dean of OC’s College of Engineering and Computer Science. “Such individuals can inspire all of us to see the possible, not just the simple or typical. I pray Mrs. Moore will serve as such an inspiration to our students – women and men alike.”

Newberry said Moore has deep understanding of life as a female in a career field dominated by males.

Moore also will address how technology, software and big data affect society. Newberry said students need to be aware of the power technology holds.

“How data is used and how software interfaces with people impacts each and every one of us,” Newberry said. “The severity of that impact is growing at an alarming rate. I want talented, diverse, faith-filled men and women shaping that future.”

The free lecture will begin at 6:30 p.m. on March 23 in Hardeman Auditorium. More information is available at www.oc.edu/steminar.

Oklahoma Christian is ranked as one of the best universities in the western United States by The Princeton Review and U.S. News and World Report. A recent study rated Oklahoma Christian as one of the best higher education values in Oklahoma, citing the university’s low net price combined with OC graduates’ high starting salaries.